Do I need HDMI connectors?

JONJUL · Post by **JONJUL** » Fri May 09, 2008 5:52 am

I am buying an HDTV (Samsung LN52A650) and PS3, however my current Denon 3801 Receiver does not have HDMI ports. Should I connect my PS3 and cable PRV directly to the TV? I'm making a pretty big investment with new technology and don't want an older model receiver to hold back my 1080p viewing experience. Do I need to bite the bullet and purchase a new receiver as well? Any economical recommendations on receivers, without sacrificing quality?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

akirby · Post by **akirby** » Fri May 09, 2008 6:34 am

I have a Denon 2803 (no HDMI) and a PS3 but I also have an older Mits CRT RPTV with only component video inputs. I had the same dilemma.

You have 3 choices:

Use component video and digital audio (assuming the 3801 does component video switching - if not then skip this one). You'll only get 1080i from the component video on the PS3 (and only 480p for standard DVDs). You'll only get the regular Dolby Digital and DTS sound tracks from the PS3. But the 3801 will continue to switch sources.

Use HDMI to the TV for video and digital audio for sound. This gets you 1080i/p for BD, games and DVDs. Same restriction on audio.

Buy a new 3808 with HDMI switching. 1080i/p video all around and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA sound. You also get a lot of new features like automatic equalization, upconversion of non-HD sources, etc.

I'm currently using option 1 until I replace the TV - then I'll buy a new Denon and go HDMI.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Fri May 09, 2008 7:10 am

If you connect your HDMI to the TV it is likely your audio will be down converted to stereo because that is what the TV will tell the source it has - two speakers. I do not recommend using a TV as an A/V switching center if you have a multi-channel receiver. The solution is use the SD digital output, optical for the PS3, and connect that to your receiver. With Blu-ray you will still get some benefit because the source will be far less compressed than the DVD version. With DVD or broadcast TV there is no difference.

akirby · Post by **akirby** » Fri May 09, 2008 7:15 am

Sorry that wasn't clear. When I said HDMI for video and digital audio for sound, I meant digital audio from the PS3 or set top box to the receiver, not from the TV. That's how mine is setup.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Fri May 09, 2008 7:19 am

This is a new potential land mine for all of us!

JONJUL · Post by **JONJUL** » Fri May 09, 2008 10:29 am

Thaks for the replies. If I hear you both correctly, I'm running HDMI from both the PS3 and cable PVR direct to TV and digital optic from receiver to TV? A total of (2) HDMI cables and (1) digital optic cable? I'll probably purchase a new receiver later this summer and go all HDMI at that time, but for now this will work.

Thanks!!!

akirby · Post by **akirby** » Fri May 09, 2008 10:58 am

JONJUL wrote:Thaks for the replies. If I hear you both correctly, I'm running HDMI from both the PS3 and cable PVR direct to TV and digital optic from receiver to TV? A total of (2) HDMI cables and (1) digital optic cable?

Not quite.

For each device (PVR and PS3) you'll use one HDMI to the TV for video and a digital audio cable to the receiver for audio.

So that's 2 HDMI, 2 digital audio (optical and/or coax). When you get the new receiver you'll remove the digital audio cables, run the HDMI cables from the PVR and PS3 to the receiver and add a new HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV.

JONJUL · Post by **JONJUL** » Fri May 09, 2008 12:01 pm

Excellent! Appreciate your clearing that up for me. Thanks for the help.

dabhome · Post by **dabhome** » Sat May 10, 2008 3:18 pm

akirby wrote: For each device (PVR and PS3) you'll use one HDMI to the TV for video and a digital audio cable to the receiver for audio.

In order for this to work you will have to turn off your TV speakers (in the audio menu). If you need to hear any sound from your TV (such as when receiving over the air signals), then connect a digital audio cable from your TV out to your Amplifier (on a seperate input) just like you connect the DVD or Cable box.

In addition, you will have to switch both your TV and amplifier to the correct inputs.

Good Luck,
David